National Columnist Mike Farrell is here with the 3-Point Stance, ranking the defensive back rooms in the Pac-12 for next season, five teams set to surprise everyone and ranking the new QB starters in the ACC (including Notre Dame).
Best Pac-12 Defensive Backfields
— We’ve done it. We’ve reached the end of the positional rankings in the Power Five as we conclude with the PAC 12 at defensive back.
1. Utah
— Cole Bishop leads a really deep and strong group for the Utes.
2. USC
— Calen Bullock is the best defensive back in the conference, and this should be a much-improved unit.
3. Oregon
— Trikweze Bridges and company should be one of the better groups in the league.
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4. Oregon State
— Kitan Oladapo leads a no-name group that will give people problems.
5. Washington
— If they can avoid the injuries of last year, this should be a much stronger group.
Teams Set to Surprise in 2023
— The teams that could surpass expectations this season and surprise some people? Here they are…
1. Kentucky
— If they can get better along the offensive line, this will be a dangerous and well-balanced team. Just watch.
2. Utah
— Cam Rising’s status is in question, but to me, this is the deepest and most physical team in the Pac-12 on defense and in the run game.
3. Texas Tech
— Joey McGuire and his team learned how to win close games last season, and that will pay major dividends.
4. Wisconsin
— It will take an adjustment to Luke Fickell’s system, but the talent is in place to win and win now. They take the West.
5. Louisville
— Jeff Brohm is a great fit. There is a lot of talent on this roster, and he will pull a few key upsets.
Best New ACC (and Notre Dame) Starting Quarterbacks
— And finally, Matt Perkins ranks the new QB starters in the ACC, including Notre Dame.
1. Sam Hartman, Notre Dame
Arguably the most important quarterback transfer this entire cycle, Hartman comes to South Bend and solidifies a position that has been up and down over the past few seasons. He’s the biggest reason that some people (not me, but some people) think that the Irish could make a dark horse playoff run.
2. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Yes, Klubnik started a couple of games at the end of 2022, but this is his first year as the starter for the Tigers, and his work is still cut out for him. While it’s doubtful that he’ll be worse than DJ Uiagalelei was over the past two seasons, he’s still got to contend with an average-at-best offensive line and less skill at the wide receiver position than we’re used to seeing from Dabo Swinney‘s squad.
3. Jack Plummer, Louisville
The former Purdue and Cal quarterback reunites with his original coach in what should be an explosive offense. Transfer receiver Jamari Thrash should be his go-to target, and don’t be surprised when they’re one of the top QB-WR combos in the conference.
4. Brennan Armstrong, NC State
Reuniting with his former offensive coordinator, Robert Anae, should be a boon for Armstrong, who, under Anae, was one of the most productive players in the country in 2021. Last season was difficult for a litany of reasons at Virginia, but he’ll have renewed life in Raleigh and should help continue to keep the Wolfpack near the top of the ACC.
5. Haynes King, Georgia Tech
New offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner landed a very talented signal caller in the portal as he tries to continue to overhaul the Yellow Jackets’ offense. There may be some growing pains, but King showed flashes during his time at Texas A&M and will be given plenty of opportunities to show off his big arm.
